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Elderly parents

Can anyone advise on a decent live in care agency please?

14 replies

GivemestrengthHoho · 11/06/2024 18:55

Need one urgently for family member, thank you.

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GivemestrengthHoho · 11/06/2024 21:26

Surely there must be one out there!!

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Izzydawg · 11/06/2024 21:43

www.country-cousins.co.uk/
Not used myself but had experience of the company through work

GivemestrengthHoho · 11/06/2024 22:04

Izzydawg · 11/06/2024 21:43

www.country-cousins.co.uk/
Not used myself but had experience of the company through work

Thank you. Are you able to pm me in what capacity?

OP posts:
GivemestrengthHoho · 11/06/2024 22:07

Izzydawg · 11/06/2024 21:43

www.country-cousins.co.uk/
Not used myself but had experience of the company through work

Terrible Trustpilot reviews though.Confused

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Roryhon · 11/06/2024 22:09

Could you ask on local community Facebook pages so you get suggestions for your immediate area?

Seeingadistance · 11/06/2024 22:11

I know a couple of families who’ve had good experiences with Home Instead, but others on this forum haven’t had such positive things to say. I think a lot depends on the character and personality of the individual carers and how they get on with person they’re caring for.

MrsWobble3 · 11/06/2024 22:17

I second the suggestion that you ask locally for recommendations. A lot of these companies are franchises so the local management is key. eg we used Home Instead very successfully for my MiL but they were awful when my mum needed care in a different part of the country.

mitogoshi · 11/06/2024 22:28

You need local recommendations, I suggest local facebook group or similar

carermchar · 11/06/2024 23:09

No one can give you this advice.

there are two parts to care provided by any care agency
-the agency management and structure
-the actual carers

as to the first part, you need to look at the CQC rating for the agencies in your area. A national chain might have a brilliant branch in Scunthorpe but shit in Skegness.
https://www.cqc.org.uk/

as to the second part, this is why you won't get any sensible advice from strangers on the internet - the single most important aspect of care is the training, standards and personality of the person (or persons as you'll normally have at least two) providing the actual care. This varies enormously within any agency because it's an understaffed and underpaid sector so has high turn over - there will be a lot of workers who are barely trained, just started, don't want to be doing it - when what you need is highly trained, experienced and love it.

Jo who posts on here might use Agency X in Town Y. Her carers from Agency X are Anne and Liz who are brilliant she loves them and tells you Agency X is the bees knees.
Sarah might also use Agency X in Town Y. The carers they send her are Janet and John who are both hating the job and want to leave. She tells you Agency X is the pits.

They are both having different experiences because the staff they get are different.

Word of mouth is helpful but ultimately it's about finding actual staff that are good with the person who needs the care and care needs vary hugely.

Care Quality Commission

https://www.cqc.org.uk

GivemestrengthHoho · 11/06/2024 23:45

Thanks for the replies everyone, some good advice there. It's certainly a minefield.

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ByCupidStunt · 12/06/2024 11:39

Curamcare have a register of self employed carers which would be cheaper.

Agree with. Pp everything is dependent on your carer, the agency doesn't really effect that much

Kabloom · 12/06/2024 12:00

Would definitely recommend Helping Hands. They have provided a great service to us providing extra hours when things have changed (quite frequently). The carers are well paid, professional and well trained. Any issues are escalated to the office and we are informed and we can also view the care plan and carers notes for each visit online. We haven't used the live in service but did seriously consider it and were assessed for it at one time. I would feel completely confident with using it if needed in the future. The reviews on Trustpilot reflect closely the experience our family have had. I agree that the carers themselves are important but the way that the agency is run and staff are recruited and trained has a big part to play in those staff being supported and providing a good service. Good luck with it all.

Ollie909 · 09/02/2025 11:53

I work with an Agency called Homecare Companions Horsham, as Self Employed Live In Carer. They are very good

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